Police used pepper spray and tear gas in Sydney’s CBD on Monday night after scuffles broke out at a pro Palestine rally against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. New South Wales Police said they arrested 27 people.
Thousands gathered at Town Hall Square. Tensions rose when part of the crowd tried to leave the rally and march towards State Parliament.
Police blocked the group and told people to leave the area. Police said a march through certain parts of the city was banned under current protest restrictions and extra powers in place for the presidential visit.
NSW Police said 10 of those arrested were taken into custody for alleged assaults on officers. Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said police were jostled, threatened and assaulted as officers stepped in after speakers urged the crowd to march.
He said he was aware of video being shared online and warned the clips could look alarming without context. Police said it took hours to clear the area.
Organisers and some politicians at the rally said police used heavy handed tactics. Labor MP Anthony D’Adam said officers used excessive force. Greens MP Abigail Boyd said she was assaulted during the clashes.
NSW Police said their response was needed to enforce directions and keep opposing groups apart.
The confrontation happened hours after the Palestine Action Group lost a Supreme Court bid to overturn a NSW government declaration that classified Herzog’s visit as a major event.
The decision gave police more powers in parts of the CBD and eastern suburbs for several days. The group said the declaration was being used to limit political protest but the court backed the government.
Herzog is in Australia on a four day tour after an invitation from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following the December 14 shooting at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach that killed 15 people.
On Monday, he visited Bondi and met survivors and families. He later attended an event at Sydney’s International Convention Centre where police asked an estimated 4,000 attendees to stay inside for a short time while the protest cleared nearby.
The visit has highlighted deep divisions with critics linking Herzog to Israel’s actions in Gaza and supporters calling the trip a show of support after the Bondi attack.
